Endurance Expo 2011

What to do when the winds are howling, the roads are cindered and the trails are snowed in?  Head indoors to all things two wheeled at the 2011 Endurance Expo held in Oaks PA.  Okay, they had Tri stuff there too, but I would rather poke my eyes out then swim, run and bike in succession.  I don't mind doing them as separate activities, but pairing the three together would be like drinking champagne, wine and beer at the same time.  I would just puke.

Since I have been stuck indoors for the good part of winter, I headed south of Pennnsyltucky to see what civilization was up to.  Much to my excitement, there is life south of the tunnel.  I headed down early, as I heard the first 750 attendees would get a swag bag.  As the queen of swag, I was tremendously anxious to at least be #749 through the door.  As luck would have it, I made it.  I am not sure what you people consider a swag bag these days, but a bunch of ads and a bag of stale trail mix hardly constitutes swag!  And what were the band aids and alcohol wipes for?  I don't wanna know.  Oh well.  Onward.

Once through the door, I quickly got over my disappointment by entering every drawing possible.  I am still waiting to hear that I won $500 from Dicks Sporting Goods.  Maybe they got my email wrong.  Has anyone heard from Anne?  She probably walked away with all the door prizes, as she seems to have a sign over her head that says, "pick me!"  Bitch wins everything.  (JK!)  Just wait til Minute to Win It.

While perusing the aisles, I met the dad of Jimmy's nemesis.  Nice guy.  He promised he would pick me for the Bear Creek Ski package.  Pfft.  Jimmy better knock that boy off his bike for me.  Paybacks...

Aside from seeing many bike folk I adore, there was some pretty cool stuff.  Note my son's future bike from Bike King Cycling. How cute is that Pinarello? 

Mr. Ed of Indian Valley Bike Works would not give me this one.  I tried to fit it in my "swag" bag but he threatened to beat me with his cane.  My dream bike!  How gorgeous is this bad boy?  Sorry DeRosa.  I love you like no other, but this was sa-weet!  So was Ed.  Nicest guy.  Go see him and tell him I sent you.

Of course I had to find the hotty patotty elite roadie, Gabe Lloyd.  He imports Echappe Equip clothing.  Check out the chicks bib shorts.  Designed specifically with you in mind.  Women specific chamois and thigh length.  And here is Gabe.  How cute is he?  Super nice and he put up with my shenanigans.  He rents race wheels too.  What a novel idea!  You can find these bibs and more at www.DeccasportsUSA.com or Gabe at gabe@racewheelrental.com

Just don't implicate me in this matter.

Gabe Lloyd

One of my fun finds was Bicycle Gift Hub.  They had everything from bike jewelry to infant sleepers.  I loved the bike inspired layette.  Tasteful, neat and funky.  Something for everyone.  Go visit their site and buy yourself a gift.  You deserve it.  You won't be sorry.  www.BicycleGiftHub.com

For all you chickadee's who are into the empowerment thing, check out www.empoweredzone.com .  You can be like Subaru owner's and have a secret handshake.  They make cool tee's and jewelry that are inspirational and just for you.

I would be remiss and probably burn in hell if I didn't mention Jeff Appletans from www.gocycling.com Go Cycling designs and prints custom jersey's that are city specific, but they will take you on a beer and bike tour with a little coercion.  And that my friends, is for anyone. 

Ransom Weaver has a new iPhone app called iMobile Intervals. This app works with your iPhone or iTouch and can be used as a cycling or running computer.  It can also display data from HR monitors and power sensors.  I will be checking this out for sure.  But you should check it out too at www.iMobileIntervals.com
Ransom is some kind of techno genius and all around good dude, so show your support.  More on this after I figure it out.

Can someone please tell me what this is used for?

The highlight of the day, aside from seeing so many pretty faces, was the upcoming events that are female specific or related to women in some way.  I will be updating 2011 events on velochicks.com this week.  Too many to list here.  Check back.

I have a few other highlights up my sleeve, but that will have to wait til later.  Can you tell I have cabin fever?  Just wait til the roads are clear.